Prepare Him RoomSample

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve conjures up images of the past. For some, this night reminds them of the child-like anxiety of sleeplessness, their first taste of a candy cane or the relief of finding that perfect gift for Cousin Harry moments before the midnight hour. For others, their memories grieve for the presence of a departed loved one, or their longing for the journey home and time with family and friends just once more.

Christmas Eve gives us time to pause. We have the opportunity to reflect upon past stories and seasons to bring before God in prayer, and to embrace the new joy to come. At Christmas Eve we recall the greatest story ever told – that of Mary and Joseph and the birth of our Savior.

In Luke 2:10-11, the angel of the Lord says, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” We must rekindle our excitement of encouraging people with GOOD TIDINGS of GREAT JOY, not just little ol’ habitual greetings of happiness.

Luke 2:13-14 states, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” Read that again. Did you see it? The news was so great that some others, in fact a whole multitude, began spreading the word. We must have Jesus renew our minds and spirits to live our lives as sacrificial offerings as we love people into the Kingdom. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 3:16)

Finally, in Luke 2:17, 20, after the shepherds had been in the presence of the Christ Child, “they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child…And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” We must redouble our efforts to share the Savior with those in our communities and around our world.

Reflection:

Thank You, Father, for Christmas Eve remembrances. I am grateful Your Son’s story is recorded for me. Rekindle my excitement, renew my praises, and refocus my efforts on sharing the Christmas story. Allow me to never tire of telling it to all who will hear. Amen.